Colne housing development given the go-ahead

Harrison Drive housing location
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A proposal to erect 79 houses off Harrison Drive, Colne, has been approved by Pendle Borough Council's Policy & Resources Committee.

The meeting on Thursday 30th January, attracted a full house of members of the public with around 50 in attendance leaving standing room only.

The contentious proposal would see a former sports field and current local green space be used for development to help fill the shortage of houses being built in Pendle.

Five members of the public spoke out against the development with many more attending in agreement.

One resident highlighted the hypocrisy of the Council when they refused planning on one piece of land citing it being recreational land, but then themselves (as PEARL) looking to build on recreation ground. PBC Planning Officer Neil Watson, said every planning application had to be looked at on its individual circumstances.

A representative of Harrison Drive residents said there are lots of cars in the area already and another 200 would cause chaos despite the Highways authority saying it had no concerns. They also highlighted bats roosting in the area which are a protected species and said the area currently has low crime, but this could change by squeezing in more people into a confined area. It was mentioned in the report that the land has become overgrown, but it is still used everyday by residents, and if it has become overgrown it is because Pendle BC has cut back on its services and not tendered to the land in many years. It is through their own neglect it has become like this. It was also said that there is an infestation of rats in the area that the Council has also not addressed.

Residents packed out the room to voice their opposition

Other speakers spoke of their shock that a family is having their home of 25 years demolished and they are being evicted for no good reason. Colne Councillor, Audrey Broughton, said the resident was a friend of hers and she was being thrown out.

In defence of the development, Jennifer Oxley, spokesperson for the architects, Liberata, said they had consulted the public and local residents about the plans and 67% approved the design of the buildings and layouts. She said they had also made adjustments following consultation feedback.

Lib Dem Councillor David Clegg, noted that yellow lines would be marked outside six properties near the new access road meaning residents would lose parking spaces outside their homes. Four of these houses had a drop kerb and hardstanding for parking, but the other two did not. Cllr Clegg proposed the developers pay to install drop kerbs while creating the access road so the properties could use their front garden/hardstanding for parking if they desired.

With no other motions from Councillors, Chairman Iqbal moved to approve the application with Cllr Clegg's amendment. Planning Officer Neil Watson explained the situation regarding the need to meet the 5-year housing target, and because Pendle was behind in its target that it gave developers a favourable position - known as a 'tilted balance'. Chairman Iqbal said he gets residents' concerns, but it is for 100% affordable housing. He said: "We are stuck as a Council. We are miles behind our housing target. The day will come soon when developers come and park their bus on greenfields and you'll say why didn't we approve the easy applications."

After being put to the vote, the application was approved with Cllr Clegg's amendment.

WATCH THE MEETING HERE